The best gaming heroes of 2012 (so far)

While we have already celebrated some of the best games of the year (so far), the virtual frontmen (and women) of our favourite pastime are an integral part of the experiences.

Without these colourful, interesting, and downright badass characters, we wouldn’t have half the fun we did; so let’s salute those heroes of 2012 (so far) that have left a serious impression.

Death (Darksiders II)

Death is brutal, calculating, merciless, and absolute. The protagonist of Darksiders II has managed overtake War as our favourite Horseman of the Apocalypse, by selflessly heading into battle to clear his brother’s name and deliver a serious beat-down to any angel or demon that stands in his way.

Dan has been threatened with, well, death if he doesn’t get his review finished by Monday.

Captain Walker (Spec Ops: The Line)

Spec Ops: The Line is somewhat of an overlooked game. While it deserves some more attention, its hero, Captain Martin Walker, also requires some praise. Just a soldier who wants to do right, Walker is sent into Dubai and faced with some mind-blowingly tough decisions. Walker is torn, conflicted and pushed to the edge, and it makes him one of our favourite heroes this year.

Commander Shepard (Mass Effect 3)

Commander Shepard is nothing short of an intergalactic hero. The man has managed to defeat multiple alien races, while still finding time to help out his crew and engage in some inter-species love-making (if that’s your thing).

While making a final stand to save Earth, Shepard delivers the cool and calm one-liners, while also laying the smack-down on some insect-faced enemies – plus he has the shiniest spaceship in the galaxy.

Max Payne (Max Payne 3)

Max Payne has been, and always will be, one of the best heroes you’ll ever have the privilege of playing.

Self-loathing, shameful and broken, Max Payne is as real as you get, and despite being drunk most of the time, he is a poet in his own right, delivering some of the most thought-provoking lines in the medium.